Fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise were recently hit with a bit of a curveball: Assassin’s Creed Shadows, originally scheduled for release earlier in 2025, is now slated to launch on March 20, 2025. But why the delay? What could the developers be fine-tuning, and—perhaps most importantly—will the wait be worth it?
Why Could It Be Delayed?
According to a message from Marc-Alexis Coté and the teams working on the game, the extra time is being used to implement feedback gathered since the game’s announcement in September. Weekly Gameplay Overviews have kept fans engaged and eager for more, but they’ve also revealed areas where improvements can be made. Coté assures players that the delay reflects a commitment to delivering a more ambitious and immersive day-one experience.

What’s the Holdup Now?
While the developers have made “remarkable strides,” it seems that polishing those final details is the priority. Could this mean refining combat mechanics, tweaking the open-world design, or perfecting the narrative pacing? Ubisoft remains tight-lipped on specifics, but it’s clear that the studio is determined to meet—and perhaps even exceed—the high expectations set by the Assassin’s Creed community.
Corporate Turbulence and Its Impact
Adding to the uncertainty, Ubisoft’s financial situation and ongoing restructuring efforts may also be contributing to the delay. On January 9, 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows was delayed again to March 2025, and it’s unlikely that this ongoing uncertainty around Ubisoft is helping development matters. In a press release accompanying the announcement, Ubisoft revealed that it’s actively seeking extra investment to stabilize the company as it heads into 2025.
The statement reads: “Following the strategic and execution reviews initiated by the Executive Committee a few months ago, Ubisoft is taking decisive steps to reshape the Group in order to deliver best-in-class player experiences, enhance operational efficiency and maximize value creation.
Ubisoft announced that it has appointed leading advisors to review and pursue various transformational strategic and capitalistic options to extract the best value for stakeholders. This process will be overseen by the independent members of the Board of Directors. Ubisoft will inform the market in accordance with applicable regulations if and once a transaction materializes.”
Although no buyout has been confirmed, reports from Bloomberg and Reuters suggest that discussions around a potential acquisition have been ongoing since October 2024. CEO Yves Guillemot has refrained from sharing additional details, but it’s clear that major changes could be on the horizon for Ubisoft.
Will the Wait Be Worth It?
If the game’s most recent trailer is anything to go by, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. The trailer, released just last week, showcases the game’s stunning visuals, intricate combat mechanics, and a narrative that promises to delve deep into the untold story of Khazan, the first Berserker. Set 800 years before the events of Dungeon Fighter Online, Assassin’s Creed Shadows explores a rich new chapter in the franchise’s lore.
Fans have been particularly captivated by the blend of mythology and hardcore action RPG elements hinted at in the trailer. With Ben Starr—best known for his role as Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy 16—voicing the lead character, the game seems poised to deliver a gripping and emotional story.
A Trailer That Promises It’s Worth the Wait
The latest footage offers glimpses of the continent of Arad, filled with lush environments, ominous dungeons, and epic battles. It’s this attention to detail and world-building that has many fans convinced the delay is justified. By taking the extra time, Ubisoft appears to be ensuring that Assassin’s Creed Shadows lives up to—and perhaps even surpasses—the legacy of its predecessors.
The Countdown
With the new release date set for March 20, 2025, anticipation continues to build. Will the delay pay off? All signs point to yes, but fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out. In the meantime, the stunning trailer and ongoing updates from the development team should keep excitement levels high.
What do you think? Is the wait worth it? Share your thoughts in the comments below as we count down to the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows!